As CBS 2’s John Slattery reported, police suspect the thieves broke through the air conditioning duct over the weekend to steal the puppies.

The dognappers managed to break in and went straight for the pooches, according to store manager Colleen Savelli. Nothing else was stolen.

“They were obviously targeted,” Savelli said, adding that dozens of other puppies in stock were left alone.

The stolen pups are worth approximately $6,300. That includes two Rottweillers, valued at $1,800 each, a teacup Chihuahua valued at $1,500, and a “Chiweenie,” a Chihuahua/Dachsund mix, valued at $1,200.

“We’ve never had a break in,” Savelli said. “We did have, about six months ago, an older woman just walk in and open a cage and walk out. We have an open pen, she more or less reached in and grabbed one.”

That puppy was returned, however.

“I was heartbroken for the puppies, they’re our babies. Honestly, feels more like they were kidnapped than stolen,” store manager Christie Finn told Slattery.

The store’s owner says the surveillance camera computer malfunctioned so there are no pictures, but she suspects the thieves posed as customers.

“They probably canvassed the store maybe days or a week earlier. They came in, saw where the puppies were because this was not a random event,” Pups ‘N Stuff owner Theresa Gulla told Slattery.

“We’re just basically very concerned to get the puppies back, and that they get the proper medical attention because they’re 8-week-old puppies,” Savelli said.

The puppies are microchipped. Anyone who recovers them is asked to notify Pups ‘N Stuff at 631-320-0991, or to contact the police.

Pups ‘N Stuff is offering a $1,000 reward for their return, no questions asked.

But as Slattery reported, the pet store owner fears the stolen puppies may already have been moved out of state and sold on the Internet.